"PhD Studentship: More than a meal: community food services as ecosystems for co-creating wellbeing and health equity"

Loughborough University - Loughborough Business School

Project details

Food insecurity is a primary social determinant of health that disproportionately impacts disadvantaged populations, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis. While community food services - such as food banks and community kitchens - are vital frontline responses, they are often viewed through a narrow lens of emergency food provision. This research addresses the critical gap in our understanding of how these services function as complex service ecosystems that can co-create broader wellbeing outcomes, such as dignity, social connection, and mental health.

The project sits at the intersection of Transformative Service Research (TSR) and public health. Current literature often overlooks the institutional arrangements (the rules and norms) that enable or constrain these services from addressing deep-rooted health inequalities. By applying an ecosystem perspective, this study moves beyond transaction-based models to theorize community food services as holistic wellbeing hubs.

The doctoral researcher will employ a qualitative comparative case study design focused on four diverse community food models in Leicestershire (e.g., social supermarkets, community gardens, and traditional food banks). By identifying the resource integration processes that drive wellbeing beyond mere food provision, this research will deliver a theoretical framework for transformative interventions in regulated networks and a co-produced best practice toolkit. Ultimately, the project provides actionable commissioning guidance to help local government and public health stakeholders bridge health inequality gaps for vulnerable residents.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Adedapo Adebajo

Secondary supervisor(s): Dr Kemefasu Ifie

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) with a UK master's degree (with an average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.

Candidates should have a strong background in marketing, public management, sociology, or public health. Experience in qualitative or ethnographic methods is highly desirable.

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate.

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

How to apply

1. Put together your research proposal (between 2500 to 3000 words including references). Share your research proposal with the identified supervisor(s) and confirm they are willing to be named in support of your application. You are also encouraged to ask for feedback to develop your research proposal.
2. All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Business School'. Please upload with your application a research proposal, copies of your transcripts/certificates, English language certificate and contact details of two academic references, one of which must be from your most recent degree. Please quote the project reference number LB26-HRDC-AA/KI.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them take a decision on your application.

Contact details

Call: +44 (0)1509 228072

Email: lb-research@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk